SBIR-STTR Award

Due to the high cost and long lead time of space based thermal management systems, there is an increased need for a space qualified thermal network system which can maintain critical components within an acceptable range during operation and be flexible in design to adapt to a wide range of component sizes as well as varying thermal loading conditions. SA Photonics proposes their Intelligent Thermal Stabilizing System, which is modular, has the ability to monitor and control component temperatures and utilizes both standard and high thermal conductivity materials minimizing thermal resistance from source to sink. The core component in the ITSS for thermal networking the heat within an electronic subsystem is the combination of Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs) and our unique Thermal Interface Plate. Our ITSS configuration allows for the networking of thermal energy (thermal energy sharing) for power efficient system cooling/heating. The unique thermal transfer plate/TEC configuration also provides the ability for improved component thermal control through the TEC’s ability to act as both a high and low temperature heater and a chiller. This innovative thermal control design provides a unique and stable system that allows accurate and autonomous thermal control of space based electronics.

Benefit:
The main benefit of the SA Photonics ITSS system is the ability to monitor and control critical components within acceptable temperature ranges by the control of heat flow (thermal networking). The ITSS design will network components and heat sinks together maintaining temperatures through the directing of heat flow into and out of components and heat sinks. The ITSS utilizes TECs which also provide the benefit of increased thermal control due to the TECs ability to act as both a heater and a chiller. This network will minimize thermal resistance through the incorporation of cutting edge thermally conductive materials to optimize thermal flow performance.

Keywords:
Reconfigurable, Heat Flow, Thermal Conductivity, Thermal Network, Thermoelectric Cooler, Thermal Energy

Due to the high cost and long lead time of space based thermal management systems, there is an increased need for a space qualified thermal network system which can maintain critical components within an acceptable range during operation. SA Photonics has developed the baseline design of their Intelligent Thermal Stabilizing System, which is a compact, modular system which can efficiently network thermal energy within an electronic sub-assembly. Our ITSS configuration allows for low power networking of the thermal energy as well as zone maintained temperature control. The ITSS system uses solid state thermal devices in a unique configuration and control system for improved system performance. Our microvalve design operates in parallel with the solid state devices for low power pseudopassive thermal networking. The SA Photonics ITSS system combines complimentary thermal control systems in a compact package for efficient package level thermal networking high power density hotspot temperature control

Benefit:
The main benefit of the SA Photonics ITSS system is the ability to monitor and control critical components within acceptable temperature ranges by the control of heat flow (thermal networking). The compact ITSS design will thermally network components and heat sinks together within electronic sub-assemblies maintaining temperature control through the directing of heat flow into and out of components and heat sinks using our microvalve (pseudopassive) and solid state thermal control components. The combination of our microvalve design and unique configuration of active thermal control components efficiently manages high density power and significantly reduces thermal hot spots

Keywords:
Reconfigurable, Heat Flow, Thermal Conductivity, Thermal Network, Thermal Valve, Thermal Energy, Passive, Active ---------- Thermal based energy harvesting has existed for years, however, a single module that is designed and optimized for both thermal and energy generation hasnt been fully pursued.Because of this, SA Photonics has developed an updated design of their Thermoelectric Module (TECM), which is a compact, modular system which can efficiently control thermal energy within an electronic subassembly.Our new hybrid Thermoelectric Matrix configuration allows for low power networking of the thermal energy as well as zone maintained temperature control.In addition, our updated TECM design will utilize any waste heat within the module for energy generation.Our control electronics design will efficiently and seamlessly be able to switch between thermal management and energy harvesting in order to provide the maximum performance in a compact, lightweight module.